PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has assured it will regulate and monitor the government’s 5G roll-out special purpose vehicle (SPV) Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
It said in a statement today that relevant regulatory tools under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) will be fully utilised to ensure the optimum use of spectrum and that all telecommunications service providers will have open, fair and equal access in obtaining wholesale 5G network services.
The MCMC said DNB would be subject to regulatory oversight just like any other licensee in the communications and multimedia industry, notwithstanding the fact that the entity is wholly owned by the government.
“DNB will act as a wholesale neutral party that enables other licensed telecommunication companies to focus on the latest technologies to develop innovative retail services as service offerings to consumers, enterprises and even the government.
“The manner in which the wholesale services offered by DNB will also be closely monitored by MCMC under the provisions of the CMA 1998. The speed and cost savings of the 5G deployment can be passed on to benefit end users,” it said.
MCMC said that in overseeing DNB, it would remain focused on ensuring improved quality and expanded coverage of digital connectivity, and to facilitate new economic growth for the country through the opportunities that 5G will bring about.
It said making Malaysia a digitalised nation – such as with the announcement of MyDigital recently – would require robust, resilient and swift efforts whilst adhering to regulations.
“By removing the need for existing telecommunications companies to invest in 5G networks, their efforts and resources can continue to be focused on improving and expanding 4G services and fibre networks under Jalinan Digital Negara (Jendela) so crucial for the success of 5G deployment.
“This, at the same time, will ensure that the digital gap can be minimised,” it said. – Bernama, March 2, 2021
